The group of Northern housing associations previously called on the government to commit £1.4bn towards regeneration in the north
The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) has announced plans to launch an inquiry into housing regeneration, saying the north is “disproportionately affected by low quality homes.”
Led by Homes for the North and Muse, the aim of the inquiry will be to define housing-led regeneration’s role in tackling the housing crisis and delivering growth.
Titled “Where Next for Housing-Led Regeneration in the North” and set to launch later this year, the inquiry will look at how the social housing sector can meet the needs of the north of England, where 27% of private rentals don’t meet Decent Homes Standards.
NHC chief executive Tracy Harrison said at a parliamentary event which brought MPs, NHC members and other stakeholders together last week that the government’s spending review and housing announcements were “milestone moments for the social housing sector in the North, which will drive real change”.
She said: “To effectively tackle the housing crisis in the north, housing-led regeneration must sit alongside new housing supply and support to improve existing homes.
“Our research has consistently shown that the north is disproportionately affected by low quality homes with over one million non-decent homes in the north. The problem is most acute in the private rented sector with 27% of homes not meeting current Decent Homes Standards.”
>>See also: Northern Housing Consortium announces new senior appointments
>>See also: Northern housing associations call for £1.4bn fund for regeneration
The NHC’s research found that there are 126,000 social housing homes in the north of England reaching the end of their serviceable life.
“These issues must be addressed if we want to make sure everyone has access to a safe and warm home they can afford,” Harrison said.
“The right foundations are in place for the North to hit the ground running. We’re leading the way with devolution, and housing partnerships are driving collaboration. Through our Inquiry, we want to work with parliamentarians, members, residents and other stakeholders to maximise the benefits of regeneration for communities in the North.”
Bronwen Rapley, chair of Homes for the North, said: “Regeneration has a critical role to play in helping to unlock the delivery of more and better homes. Our research shows that regeneration across the North could support the creation of 305,000 homes, equivalent to 4.3 years of housing supply.”
Phil Mayall, managing director at Muse, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the NHC and Homes for the North on this important inquiry. Against the backdrop of the government’s positive agenda for the industry and the tools which have already been provided to us, we’re at a real moment in time where we can go even further in delivering meaningful change in the North of England.”
In April, the NHC called on the government to commit £1.4bn towards regeneration in the north.
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